The Ottawa International Airport Authority today announced that the Board of Directors has approved a $24 million capital budget for the year 2000 – at no cost to taxpayers.


Mr. Regis Trudel, Chairman of the Board, said: "The Authority’s Board of Directors is satisfied that, over the next year, we can continue preliminary work and planning for the proposed Expansion Program. As well, we recognize that the Airport has maintenance requirements that cannot be ignored.

"In the year 2000, the Airport Authority will prudently move closer to a final decision on Expansion."

Included in the 2000 budget is $18 million toward further preparatory work for the Airport Expansion Program. This work includes the development of Architectural and Engineering designs and various site developments. The Airport Authority will proceed shortly with a public tender to retain an A&E firm. (In 1999, the Airport Authority spent $4 million toward the Expansion Program.)

The budget also includes almost $6 million for Airport capital improvements and maintenance. This includes runway and apron restoration, terminal fit-ups and the annual vehicle replacement program. (In 1999, the Airport Authority spent $2.4 million in capital improvements.)

Since the transfer in February 1997, the Authority has spent over $17 million to improve the Airport.

Ottawa International Airport President and CEO, Mr. Paul Benoit, said: "This next phase represents a decisive step toward providing the National Capital Region with the airport it requires to remain competitive in the upcoming decades.

"The step-by-step approach we have followed grants the Expansion Program maximum flexibility, relevance and cost effectiveness.

"If approved late next year, the Expansion would be the most important construction project in this region over the past 20 years. Our region needs a new airport, an affordable airport that fills the right travel needs at the right time for our community."
 

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For more information:
Laurent Benoit (613) 248-2050
Director of Communications and Public Affairs